Envirotec’s AHU upgrade increases efficiency for Department for Transport

27 October 2011

Envirotec has supplied new bespoke air handling units (AHUs) and refurbished older units, at Great Minster House, the Department for Transport building in Horseferry Road, London.

The company worked closely with contractors Dornan Engineering Services and consulting engineers TAP Consultants to design bespoke units, which were manufactured at its UK factory and delivered in flat-pack format to overcome access problems.

The building is divided into two blocks, A and B, each originally served by supply and extract AHUs – all of them in need of attention. The original plan was to refurbish all of the units but the Department decided to sub-let block A, which led to change of plan.

“The client decided that new units were required to serve block B so we worked with TAP to design the new units,” recalled Dornan Project Manager Brendan O’Shea. “We considered several suppliers and selected Envirotec because they were able to offer the quick response we required. And while price wasn’t the main criterion, they were very competitive,” he added.

The new units comprised supply and extract units with upgraded volume flows and coil duties, using mixing boxes between them to increase energy efficiency. Having been delivered to site in kit form they were then assembled in-situ. Use of UK-manufactured AHUs also helped to reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint by reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation.

In addition, Envirotec carried out a full refurbishment of the AHUs serving block B, which included installation of new fans, heater batteries and heating coils. As well as extending the life of these units the refurbishment has also helped the Department for Transport reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by making use of more energy-efficient components.